Although the range of this species overlaps with that of Mountain Bluebird, Western Bluebird nests in more wooded habitats. Male: Dark blue overall, including entire head and throat. An area of chestnut covers the breast, and is sometimes bisected by blue. In some subspecies, chestnut extends onto scapulars and back. Belly is blue, fading to pale blue-gray on the undertail coverts. Female shows similar pattern, but with pale bluish-gray replacing the dark blue of the male. Entire head, as well as the belly and flanks are pale gray. There is usually a pale eye ring. Distinguished from female Mountain Bluebird by much shorter primary projection, and by thicker bill with yellow gape. Juveniles have darkly mottled underparts, and white speckles on the upperparts. The tertials are fringed in gray, unlike those on juvenile Eastern Bluebirds, which are fringed in cinnamon.

Length: 16 (cm) Wingspan: 29 (cm)

Voice:

Call is a sharp chatter and short harsh whistles.

Habitat:

Open forests, burned forest, riparian woods, and oak savannah. Winters at lower elevations and in more open habitats.

Behavior:

Cavity nester, that will readily adopt man-made bird houses placed in appropriate habitat.

Feeding:

Eats primarily insects in breeding season, fruit in winter; particularly mistletoe berries.